It is rather unfortunate that the government shutdown is moving into its second week. Millions of Americans are worried about what’s happening with the Social Security benefits. The good news is that Social Security payments, including SSI and SSDI are still being sent out on time.
This is simply because these payments are funded from a separate source referred to as mandatory spending, which isn’t affected by the yearly budget fights in Congress. Rest assures, if you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will continue to receive them.
Unfortunately, even though Social Security payments are still being sent out, many other Social Security services are being slowed down. This reason for this is because many government employees have been furloughed and this means that there is potential longer wait times or even delays and back logs.
What’s Still Open and Working
Even during the shutdown, several essential parts of the Social Security Administration (SSA) remain open. Here’s what you can still do:
- Get your payments: All scheduled benefit checks are being processed and sent on time.
- Apply for benefits online: You are still able to apply for Social Security benefits online.
- Check your benefit status: Be sure to use the SSA online tools to check your benefit status.
- Local field offices are attending to essential requests, but response may be delayed.
- Some in-person services continue: Local SSA offices remain open for critical services, but hours may be reduced or by appointment only.
What’s Limited or Closed
Here’s where things get tricky. Many SSA employees have been furloughed, and that means some non-essential services are paused. These include:
- Benefit verification letters: These are important as they are needed for housing and loan applications and may only become available once the shutdown ends.
- Corrections or updates to earnings records: If you need to make changes to your employment records, this is on hold.
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests: These will not be processed until government funding is restored.
- In-person visits: There are some field offices which are closed, and some operating on appointments.
- Overpayment reviews and certain appeals: Because there are lesser staff present, these may take longer to process.
Expect Longer Wait Times
Regardless of whether the Social Security system is still running, the services have slowed down significantly. There are many call centres and field offices which are short staffed, as a result of this, there is a significant delay in processes.
Before phoning or going to a local office, try using online resources if you must get in touch with the SSA. Since many routine requests may be handled digitally, the agency advises maintaining an eye on your online Social Security account for changes.
Possible Delay in the 2026 COLA Announcement
The other potential impact is that involves the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) announcement, which typically happens in mid-October. This announcement may be delayed because the inflation data may be delayed and the SSA uses this information to calculate the COLA. That could create uncertainty for retirees and people with disabilities who depend on those updates to plan their budgets.
What You Should Do Right Now
- Don’t stress, rest assured that your payments will still be sent as normal.
- Be sure to use the online SSA website to check for updates.
- Avoid visiting local offices unless it’s absolutely necessary, as wait times may be long.
The Bottom Line
Even though the SSA is still operating during the shutdown, many services have been delayed or halted. It is important for beneficiaries to note that their Social Security payments will still be sent out as normal.
Beneficiaries are urged to keep updated so that they are aware of what’s happening with their benefits. A period like this teaches an important, not to rely solely on Social Security but have other forms of savings and investments.